Canfield Brothers joins Boosted steel hardtail ranks with Nimble 9 Boost

Written by Zach Overholt Aug 12, 2016 5:09 p.m. ET

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Stretch it and Boost it. That could be the mantra of 2017 as many companies continue to update existing models. Those updates often include the switch to Boost 148mm rear spacing as well as “modern” geometry which typically features longer reach and front center measurements to compliment shorter stems and wider bars.

But as Canfield Brothers shows, those updates aren’t just for full suspension bikes. To create the fourth generation of their steel 29er, the Nimble 9 morphs into a more capable machine, and even adds a bit of plus compatibility…

Canfield Brothers Nimble 9 Boost Build-41 — All photos c. Canfield Bros.

Billed as a 29″ all mountain hard tail, the 4130 chromoly frame couples a 66.5 degree HTA with super short 16.25″ (412.75mm) chainstays in the shortest position (16.9″ in longest position). The sliding 148 x 12 dropouts include an axle and allow the frame to run both geared and single speed drivetrains. Along with a longer reach, the frame gains a shorter seat tube for better dropper seat post clearance for shorter riders or the ability to run longer droppers for taller riders.

Plus compatibility doesn’t seem to be the focus, but Canfield Bros. point out that the frame can run up to a 27.5 x 2.8″ tire on a 35mm internally wide rim. Otherwise, a 29 x 2.5″ tire should fit.

Up front, the 44mm headtube will accept tapered steerers and is meant for 120-140mm travel forks. Frames are kept simple with external cable routing and threaded 73mm bottom bracket shells, front derailleur compatibility, and IS brake mounts.

Nimble 9 Boost frames will be available in 4 sizes and 4 colors starting at $749 for the frame only. From there, any combination of parts can be purchased from Canfield Bros. to create a partial or a full build. Available now.

Nimble 9 Boost Features:

● 29″ All Mountain

● 4130 chromoly steel

● Increased reach and shorter seat tube

● 66.5° head angle (w/ 140mm fork)

● Custom sliding Boost 148mm x 12mm rear dropouts, axle included

● Adjustable 16.25“ – 16.9” chainstays

● Singlespeed-able

● Stealth cable routing

● Sparkle metallic painted finish

● ED Black treated for superior anti-corrosion resistance

● Removable direct mount front derailleur block

● Two water bottle bosses

canfieldbrothers.com

Zach Overholt

5,630 articles

Zach Overholt is the Editor in Chief of Bikerumor. He has been writing about what’s new in the bicycle world for 12+ years. Prior to that, Zach spent many years in the back of a bicycle shop building and repairing nearly every type of bike, while figuring out how to (occasionally) ride them.

Based in Ohio, Zach is now slowly introducing a new generation to cycling and still trying to figure out how to fit the most rides into a busy schedule as a new dad.

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Von Kruiser

7 years ago

Ya know, the Canfield brothers are on their game. This is a dream bike for down right fun and climbs great and DH’s even better. All similar frames are running a 68º HT. In the past I was not down w/ 29er, now it’s the best w/ all these trail versions out. Where I live it’s steep up and down but not overly rocky… perfect for a hardtail beast like this.

butt

7 years ago

KONA
O
N
A

hllclmbr

7 years ago

Reply to butt

TREK STACHE
R
E
K
?

Tim

7 years ago

This is a cool and innovative bike that helped create the long-low-short chain stay trend, i.e., it has been imitated by Kona, Trek and others. It takes the best of new standards- tapered headtube and Boost- and combines them with the best old ways of doing things: threaded bb’s and external cabling. However, beware one thing: the frame is heavy, around 6.5lbs as I recall. Hopefully the newer ones are lighter… Their Yelli Screamy has the same geo but is available in aluminum for not much more money.

Veganpotter

7 years ago

Reply to Tim

Imitated? They’re adding their own gimmicks with that uselessly curved seat tube that’s doing nothing where the curve is, they could have easily had a straight tube that’s equally slack. The Trek has much shorter stays and much more tire clearance. These guys still aren’t the first. I’ve seen much older, custom fat bikes with lifted stays to shorten them far shorter than this bike, along with a curved seat tube that actually follows the line of the tire with barely any clearance if you don’t back the wheel up.

Tim

7 years ago

Reply to Veganpotter

As I recall, the first Canfield Bros. hardtails came out around 2010, although I could be mistaken. Adding gimmicks doesn’t change the fact that Canfield pushed that type of geometry before it became popular. So a few people had custom bikes with that geometry bikes. Still, it was an isolated phenomenon. Canfield might not have been the first, but it was one of the first who pushed that formula explicitly.

Tom

7 years ago

Looks like a fun hardtail.

Personally, not a fan of sliding dropouts, but adds nice versatility.

atlbikeshop

7 years ago

For those looking for full suspension weight without the suspension. I’m sure it still rips though!

7 years ago

Let me know when I can get a boosted EPO.

Dave

7 years ago

I have the EPO, steel is the way to go for modern day hardtail. Everyone has followed CB, the company is the best to deal with, you can’t even call Kona up on the phone.